UOIT professor wins Rotarian of the Year award

Dr. Teresa Pierce, Assistant Professor Communication, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH), at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT), recently received the Rotarian of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Oshawa. The award recognized Dr. Pierce for her exemplary service to the club since joining in 2012.

She has served as Rotary Board Secretary and has been involved in several key committees, including Ribfest and Family Fun Day.

"Rotary provided me with an awareness that helps me build a strong connection to my community," said Dr. Pierce. "As a transplant from the U.S., it helped me learn how to be a Canadian. I joke that without Rotary, I would never know all the words to Oh Canada."

UOIT students have benefited from the university’s relationship with the Rotary Club. In April, the club donated $5,000 to support the Student Research Enhancement Bursary, which recognizes the outstanding qualification of FSSH undergraduate and graduate students. "I am very proud of this," she said.

Dr. Pierce noted that several other Rotary Club members are also friends of UOIT. "Many serve in volunteer capacities at UOIT or are enthusiastic donors and supporters."

"I would like to congratulate Tess on her award," said Dr. Nawal Ammar, Professor and Dean, FSSH. "Her achievement reflects our faculty’s commitment to community involvement, and I know her peers are also very proud that she has received this recognition."